People say yoga originated from hindu so can a Christian do yoga and still be a Christian? I mean I do yoga sometimes, but I never get into anything spiritual while doing it..it's just for exercise. What do you think?
2006-06-27 08:31:50 · 35 answers · asked by GottaGoToGalveston 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Why not? Even if yoga originated from other cultures it doesn't mean that Christianity puts a ban on all things that make you feel good.
2006-06-27 08:34:42 · answer #1 · answered by toaster9795 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Yes, I agree with you that as long as you can seperate out the chakra/spiritual/mumbo jumbo of yoga from the relaxing exercises, a Christian can practice yoga.
It depends on the teacher that you get - some yoga instructors simply do the exercises, but most add in a sprinkling of new agey concepts. Some are full blown into the spiritual aspect of the exercises. It is just a matter of guarding your heart and your mind and your soul. If you feel that you are not tempted to stray away from God by practicing yoga, that is between you and Him.
I have done yoga, but I always turn the sound off on my TV because I don't want to start thinking in the new age mindset. It is all a matter of knowing yourself and what you can handle.
God bless you :)
2006-06-27 08:41:38 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, a Christian can do Yoga. Although Yoga was first conceptualized and preached by the Ancient Hindus, it can and should be practiced by everyone. Yoga comprises of exercises for both the body and the mind. It is the exercises for the body (Hatha Yoga) that has been commercialized by the West as Power Yoga.
Exercises for the mind include modified breathing techniques (Pranayama) and meditation. These too have been scientifically proven to have beneficial effects.
Yoga refers to God as Spirit, which is a universal concept of all religions.
So, if anything, Yoga will help you understand your own religion better by improving your physical health (Hatha Yoga) as well as improving your levels of awareness and cognition (Pranayama and meditation).
2006-06-29 03:38:57 · answer #3 · answered by The Mystic 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
this yoga is very much misunderstood by foreignes as well as the native indians..
yoga doesnt mean exercise...yoga the word literally means communion....communion with god...
the self and god become one in yoga....
christians say water, hindus say jal or pani..
but water is water...death is death..
christ said the same thing other religions said....all religions use different languages , different poetry...but the message is the same..
so nothing like that only hindus can do yoga...
yoga contains exercises to control the body first, afterwards the control of mind comes...i.e. thru meditation, which is part of yoga..then u will feel spiritual.....
see the link for further information
2006-06-28 06:28:35 · answer #4 · answered by raj_6c1 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes you can.
Not only exercise part but even spiritual yoga. Just replace Om with Christ or God while meditating, if you want.
Actually it is associated with Hinduism. They say to worship god first get a healthy body then go to next level!
But otherwise yoga of exercise is not religious practice. Just a set of exerxise.
In India everything is associated with sprituality or hinduism religion. But do not be that concerned. Hindu is a geographical term . Hindu means Indian literally.
2006-06-27 09:08:14 · answer #5 · answered by Karma 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The origin of the word “yoga” is related to that of the English word “yoke.” It can mean to join or yoke together or to bring under a yoke, to harness or control. To a Hindu, yoga is a technique or a discipline that leads to union with a great supernatural force or spirit. It has been described as “the yoking of all the powers of body, mind and soul to God.
The choice of what physical exercise to pursue is a personal one. Christians, however, would not allow anything—be it bodily training, eating, drinking, clothing, entertainment, or something else—to mar their relationship with God. (1 Corinthians 10:31) For those exercising simply for the sake of their health, there are many avenues available that do not involve exposure to the dangers of spiritism and occultism.
2006-06-27 08:42:04 · answer #6 · answered by izofblue37 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yoga for All
http://www.askaquery.com/Answers/qn1621.html
2006-06-30 01:59:48 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think this is a serious question...so I will try to be somewhat serious...although it is hard to resist sliding off into tangentville.
You do what feels right for you, ok! I'm not saying the "Christians" would have you not do yoga, but if they did, I would have to not be a Christian, because I don't like being told that I can't do things that are enjoyable and healthy.
Sometimes...you just gotta think for yourself, and not worry what others might say.
2006-06-27 08:37:14 · answer #8 · answered by powhound 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The answers are even funnier than the question, especially those answers that go something like this: Hmmm, let me see now, I think it's okay, let me just check with the Big Guy upstairs, hold on . . . yup, have it right here from the holy horse's mouth, it's ok to do yoga. Just don't think any sneaky Hindu thoughts while you're doing it and you should be ok. LO effing L.
2006-06-27 08:54:45 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
As much as people would like to believe that the "exercise" portion of yoga is harmless, we must remember that yoga is an Eastern religious practice. You cannot separate the exercise from the spiritual roots, as much as you would want to.
It all goes back to the idea of being unequally yoked, and what do darkness and light have in common? As Paul says, "And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you."
Yoga is one of those "unclean things." Whether you admit to it or not, you are practicing a pagan religion, even if it has been sanitized. The goal of relaxation and reaching a "higher consciousness" is still the goal. And that contrary to God's Word.
The Church today has little or no discernment anymore. Paul said "Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices." Today, the Church IS ignorant of Satan, and his schemes.
2006-06-27 08:59:38 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋